Method and apparatus for word prediction selection

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatuses are provided for improving word prediction candidate selection in an electronic device. Input of one or more characters is received via a capacitive physical keyboard. A word prediction process generates a set of word prediction candidates, determines a unique character in each word prediction candidate, and displays the word prediction candidates along with visual indicia to indicate the unique character. A second input is then received comprising a tap input of a single character on the keyboard. The electronic device determines whether the second input corresponds to a unique character associated with any of the word prediction candidates, and if so, displays the selected word in an input field on the display.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/834,932, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This application generally relates to input methodologies for electronicdevices, such as handheld electronic devices, and more particularly, tomethods for selecting word prediction candidates during text input usingthe features of a keyboard.

BACKGROUND

Advances in technology permit electronic devices, such as computers,netbooks, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants,tablets, etc., to process text input increasingly quickly and onincreasingly smaller devices and keyboards. Examples include wordprediction and disambiguation algorithms configured to suggest orrecommend during the input process and, in some instances before theprocess is completed, words that users are trying to type. Thesefunctions increase both data entry speed and accuracy. Many users nowdemand and depend on these features. Nevertheless, further optimizationof textual entry is desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example block diagram of an electronic device, consistentwith embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 6A-6B show examples of anelectronic device, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts showing example word prediction candidateselection processes, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed exampleembodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Use of the indefinite article “a” or “an” in the specification and theclaims is meant to include one or more than one of the feature that itintroduces, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the term “a set ofcharacters” as used in “generating a set of characters” can include thegeneration of one or more than one set of characters. Similarly, use ofthe definite article “the,” or “said,” particularly after a feature hasbeen introduced with the indefinite article, is meant to include one ormore than one of the feature to which it refers (unless otherwiseindicated). For example, the term “the generated set of characters” asused in “displaying the generated set of characters” includes displayingone or more generated set of characters. Directional references tographical user interface (GUI) elements, such as top and bottom, areintended to be relative to a current screen orientation (which may bechanged) rather than any physical orientation of the host device.

Methods and apparatuses are provided to increase the speed of word entryby providing selection of candidate words generated by a word predictionalgorithm with a single tap on a key.

In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for operating an electronicdevice having a display and a keyboard for receiving inputs. The methodincludes receiving a first input of one or more characters.Additionally, the method includes generating a set of word predictioncandidates associated with the input and displaying the set of wordprediction candidates on the display. The method further includesreceiving a second input of a single character, and determining aparticular word prediction candidate from among the generated set ofword prediction candidates based on the second input. Further, themethod includes presenting the particular word prediction candidate onthe display for selection.

In another embodiment, an electronic device having a display and akeyboard for receiving inputs is disclosed. The device further comprisesa memory containing instructions, and one or more processors configuredto execute the instructions. The one or more processors are configuredto execute the instructions to receive a first input of one or morecharacters. Additionally, the one or more processors are configured togenerate a set of word prediction candidates associated with the inputand display the set of word prediction candidates on the display. Theone or more processors are further configured to receive a second inputof a single character, and determine a particular word predictioncandidate from among the generated set of word prediction candidatesbased on the second input. Further, the one or more processors areconfigured to present the particular word prediction candidate on thedisplay for selection.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100, consistent withexample embodiments disclosed herein. Electronic device 100 includesmultiple components, such as a main processor 102 that controls theoverall operation of electronic device 100. Communication functions,including data and voice communications, are performed through acommunication subsystem 104. Data received by electronic device 100 isdecompressed and decrypted by a decoder 106. The communication subsystem104 receives messages from and sends messages to a network 150. Network150 can be any type of network, including, but not limited to, a wirednetwork, a data wireless network, voice wireless network, and dual-modewireless networks that support both voice and data communications overthe same physical base stations. Electronic device 100 can be abattery-powered device and include a battery interface 142 for receivingone or more batteries 144.

Main processor 102 is coupled to and can interact with additionalsubsystems such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) 108; a memory 110, suchas a hard drive, CD, DVD, flash memory, or a similar storage device; oneor more actuators 120; one or more capacitive sensors 122; an auxiliaryinput/output (I/O) subsystem 124; a data port 126; a speaker 128; amicrophone 130; short-range communications 132; other device subsystems134; and a touchscreen 118.

Touchscreen 118 includes a display 112 with a touch-active overlay 114connected to a controller 116. User-interaction with a graphical userinterface (GUI), such as a virtual keyboard rendered on the display 112as a GUI for input of characters, or a web-browser, is performed throughtouch-active overlay 114. Main processor 102 interacts with touch-activeoverlay 114 via controller 116. Characters, such as text, symbols,images, and other items are displayed on display 112 of touchscreen 118via main processor 102. Characters are input when, for example, a usertouches the touchscreen at a location associated with said character.

Touchscreen 118 is connected to and controlled by main processor 102.Accordingly, detection of a touch event and/or determining the locationof the touch event can be performed by main processor 102 of electronicdevice 100. A touch event includes in some embodiments, a tap by afinger, a swipe by a finger, a swipe by a stylus, a long press by fingeror stylus, or a press by a finger for a predetermined period of time,and the like.

While specific embodiments of a touchscreen are described, any suitabletype of touchscreen for an electronic device can be used, including, butnot limited to, a capacitive touchscreen, a resistive touchscreen, asurface acoustic wave (SAW) touchscreen, an embedded photo celltouchscreen, an infrared (IR) touchscreen, a strain gauge-basedtouchscreen, an optical imaging touchscreen, a dispersive signaltechnology touchscreen, an acoustic pulse recognition touchscreen or afrustrated total internal reflection touchscreen. The type oftouchscreen technology used in any given embodiment will depend on theelectronic device and its particular application and demands.

Main processor 102 can also interact with a positioning system 136 fordetermining the location of electronic device 100. The location can bedetermined in any number of ways, such as by a computer, by a GlobalPositioning System (GPS), either included or not included in electricdevice 100, through a Wi-Fi network, or by having a location enteredmanually. The location can also be determined based on calendar entries.

In some embodiments, to identify a subscriber for network access,electronic device 100 uses a Subscriber Identity Module or a RemovableUser Identity Module (SIM/RUIM) card 138 inserted into a SIM/RUIMinterface 140 for communication with a network, such as network 150.Alternatively, user identification information can be programmed intomemory 110.

Electronic device 100 also includes an operating system 146 and programs148 that are executed by main processor 102 and are typically stored inmemory 110. Additional applications may be loaded onto electronic device100 through network 150, auxiliary I/O subsystem 124, data port 126,short-range communications subsystem 132, or any other suitablesubsystem.

A received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, an instantmessage, or a web page download is processed by communication subsystem104 and this processed information is then provided to main processor102. Main processor 102 processes the received signal for output todisplay 112, to auxiliary I/O subsystem 124, or a combination of both. Auser can compose data items, for example e-mail messages, which can betransmitted over network 150 through communication subsystem 104. Forvoice communications, the overall operation of electronic device 100 issimilar. Speaker 128 outputs audible information converted fromelectrical signals, and microphone 130 converts audible information intoelectrical signals for processing.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate examples of electronic device 100. For example,FIG. 2A illustrates a touchscreen 118 and a keyboard 220. In someembodiments, keyboard 220 is a capacitive physical keyboard, comprisinga series of key covers overlaid on top of physical or electronic domeswitches. Further, the capacitive physical keyboard contains actuators120 and capacitive sensors 122 that permit both tactile input viadepression of the key covers on top of the actuators 120 and gestureinput via capacitive sensors 122. The input resolution of keyboard 220is at least to the level of a single key; in other words, responsive toan input received via keyboard 220, processor 102 is capable ofdetecting which one of the plurality of keys of keyboard 220 wascontacted. In some embodiments, an input received via keyboard 220 canbe localized to precise coordinates in the X and Y directions on thekeyboard via capacitive sensors 122. Alternatively, keyboard 220 may bea virtual keyboard displayed on touchscreen 118.

As used herein, a “key press” input received by keyboard 220 means adepression of one of the plurality of keys associated with one of theactuators 120 to an extent that is sufficient to engage the physical orelectronic dome switch associated with that key. In contrast, a “tap”input received by keyboard 220 means a touch input of one of theplurality of keys associated with one of the actuators 120 for aduration less than or equal to about 0.5 seconds which does not engagethe physical or electronic dome switch associated with that key. In someembodiments, keyboard 220 may be configured in a manner such that theduration of a tap input may be more than 0.5 seconds. In alternativeembodiments, keyboard 220 may be configured in a manner such that theduration of a tap input may be more than 0.5 seconds. The input may beregistered by one or more capacitive sensors 122. Alternatively, in someembodiments keyboard 220 may be a virtual keyboard implemented withtouchscreen 118, which, like a capacitive physical keyboard, isprogrammable to distinguish between different types of touch events likethe key press and tap inputs described above. For example, the virtualkeyboard may distinguish these types of events based on pressure sensedon touchscreen 118, or by measuring the duration of a touch event.

The position of the keyboard 220 is variable relative to touchscreen118. The touchscreen 118 can be configured to detect the location andpossibly pressure of one or more objects at the same time. Thetouchscreen 118 includes two input areas: (1) the keyboard 220, whichincludes a plurality of keys, each key corresponding to one or moredifferent characters of a plurality of characters; and (2) a viewingpane 230 which displays a predetermined amount of text from a documentunder composition. In the example, the keyboard 220 is located below theviewing pane 230. Other locations for the input areas 220 and 230 arepossible. For example, the keyboard 220 could be located at the top ofthe touchscreen 118, and the viewing pane 230 could be located below thekeyboard 220. In yet other examples, the viewing pane 230 could beomitted.

The amount of text in viewing pane 230 from the document undercomposition may be limited to a predetermined number of lines of text,for example, 10 lines. The document under composition may be any type ofdocument for any application which supports the keyboard 220, such as anemail or other messaging application.

As shown in FIG. 2A, keyboard 220 is a standard QWERTY keyboard layout;however, any keyboard layout can be displayed for use in the device,such as AZERTY, QWERTZ, or a layout based on the InternationalTelecommunication Union (ITU) standard (ITU E.161) having “ABC” on key2, “DEF” on key 3, and so on. Keyboard 220 includes various keys thatcan provide different inputs, such as punctuation, letters, numbers,enter or return keys, and function keys. While keyboard 220 is shown ashaving a square shape, it can have any other shape (such as an oval).

As shown in FIG. 2A, electronic device 100 receives text input fromkeyboard 220. In this example, the device receives entry of thecharacter “c,” and outputs it to the left of cursor 240 within viewingpane 230. After receiving the input of “c,” device 100 generates anddisplays word prediction candidates using a word prediction algorithm.In FIG. 2A, the candidates are presented in candidate ribbon 250proximal to cursor 240 within viewing pane 230. In other embodiments,word prediction candidates may be displayed in other locations onviewing pane 230 and in different formats. Within candidate ribbon 250,each of the candidates begins with the received letter “c.” The nextunique character of each word is displayed by device 100 withdistinguishing visual indicia to indicate to the user a shortcut forselecting that particular candidate. In FIG. 2A, the first uniquecharacter of each word prediction candidate is underlined. In otherembodiments, device 100 may provide other visual indicia for the firstunique character, such as displaying the character in a different color,displaying the character in a different font, displaying the characterin a different size font, etc.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the word being received by device100 via keyboard 220 is “cacao.” In FIG. 2A, “cacao” is the first wordprediction candidate displayed within candidate ribbon 250. Asrepresented by the translucent circle on the “A” key of keyboard 220 inFIG. 2A, keyboard 220 receives a “tap” input 260 on the “A” key. In FIG.2B, electronic device 100, responsive to the tap on the “A” key, outputsthe word prediction candidate “cacao” in viewing pane 230 to the left ofcursor 240. In some embodiments, the selected word prediction may bepresented in a different color (and possibly temporarily) to signal theuser that a selection via tap input has been made. In some embodiments,the user can accept the word prediction selection by pressing any key onkeyboard 220, such as space bar 270, or can select backspace key 280 fora new selection. In other embodiments, the selection is madeautomatically upon receipt of a tap input on keyboard 220. In someembodiments, device 100 may output the selected word predictioncandidate to the left of cursor 240 with an extra space automaticallyinserted after the word.

Electronic device 100 may generate and select for display wordprediction candidates based on various criteria and methods. In someembodiments, word prediction candidates may be drawn from a dictionarystored within device 100, for example, in memory 110. In otherembodiments, candidates may be ranked based on various factors. Thefactors may include, but are not limited to, rate of previous usage bythe user, context from other input words received, geographical locationof the user, etc.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate further examples of electronic device 100. InFIG. 3A, the same scenario is presented as shown previously in FIG. 2A.In the example shown in FIG. 3A, word prediction candidates aredisplayed in candidate ribbon 350, which is located just above keyboard220. In this embodiment, speed and accuracy of character entry andprediction candidate selection are enhanced, because the user is able tokeep their focus on or near keyboard 220. In FIG. 3A, keyboard 220receives tap input 360 from the “A” key, and in FIG. 3B, the selectedword prediction candidate “cacao” appears to the left of cursor 240.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate further examples of electronic device 100,consistent with example embodiments disclosed herein. In some exampleembodiments, electronic device 100 may display a projected image ofkeyboard 220 onto viewing pane 230 of touchscreen 118. Projecting thekeyboard image increases word prediction candidate selection speed andaccuracy by providing enhanced visual clarity for the user of whichpredictions are available for selection. In FIG. 4A, the keyboard isprojected as keyboard projection image 450 at the bottom of touchscreen118. Keyboard projection image 450 may be displayed anywhere withintouchscreen 118 and viewing pane 230. In this example, as illustratedpreviously in association with FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, the deviceregisters entry of the character “c.” Device 100 again displays wordprediction candidates, but this time displays each of the wordprediction candidates above the key associated with their respectiveselection in keyboard projection image 450. Keyboard 220 receives tapinput 460 from the “A” key, and in FIG. 4B, the word predictioncandidate “cacao” appears to the left of cursor 240.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate further examples of electronic device 100,consistent with example embodiments disclosed herein. As in FIG. 4A, inFIG. 5A the keyboard is projected as keyboard projection image 550 atthe bottom of touchscreen 118. Keyboard projection image 550 may bedisplayed anywhere within touchscreen 118 and viewing pane 230. Keyboardprojection image 550 differs from keyboard projection image 450 in thatthe letters of the keys are not displayed within the projected image.Additionally, in some embodiments, the word prediction candidates may beenlarged slightly and span more than one key. This feature can increaseuser speed and accuracy by reducing eye strain and emphasizing theflexibility and sensitivity of keyboard 220. In this example, asillustrated previously, the device registers entry of the character “c.”Device 100 again displays word prediction candidates above the projectedlocation of the key associated with their respective selection inkeyboard projection image 550. Keyboard 220 receives tap input 560 fromthe “A” key, and in FIG. 5B, the word prediction candidate “cacao”appears to the left of cursor 240.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate further examples of electronic device 100,consistent with example embodiments disclosed herein. As in FIG. 5A, inFIG. 6A the keyboard is projected as keyboard projection image 650 atthe bottom of touchscreen 118. Keyboard projection image 650 may bedisplayed anywhere within touchscreen 118 and viewing pane 230. As inkeyboard projection image 550, keyboard projection image 650 does notdisplay the letters of the keys of keyboard 220 within the projectedimage. Additionally, in some embodiments, the word prediction candidatesmay be enlarged slightly and span more than one key. This feature canincrease user speed and accuracy by reducing eye strain and emphasizingthe flexibility and sensitivity of keyboard 220.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 6A, capacitivesensors 122 may sense the locations of digits, such as fingers orthumbs, on keyboard 220. Device 100 can then provide visual feedback tothe user comprising the detected location of the digits on keyboard 220within keyboard projection image 650. This feedback can then quickly andaccurately show the user which, if any, word prediction candidate orcandidates can be selected by the digits. In FIG. 6A, one digit isdetected by keyboard 220 at the “a” key, and another is detected at the“I” key. Keyboard projection image 650 thus represents the locations ofthe digits in a different color. In alternative embodiments, thelocations of the digits may be displayed within keyboard projectionimage 650 via other means, such as different shapes, lines, etc. In someembodiments, keyboard 220 may be capable of expanding the area of thekeyboard that can receive tap inputs to select word predictioncandidates. For example, in FIG. 6A, as indicated in keyboard projectionimage 650, the user can tap either the “a” or “s” keys to select theword prediction candidate “cacao,” and can tap either the “k” or “I”keys (and in some embodiments, backspace key 280) to select the wordprediction candidate “clove.”

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, as illustrated previously, thedevice registers entry of the character “c.” Device 100 again displaysword prediction candidates above the projected location of the keyassociated with their respective selection in keyboard projection image550. Keyboard 220 receives tap input 560 from the “A” key, and in FIG.6B, the word prediction candidate “cacao” appears to the left of cursor240. Other variations of keyboard projection images 450, 550, or 650 maybe employed in alternative embodiments that improve speed and accuracyof prediction candidate selection by visually associating the predictioncandidates with the particular key of keyboard 220 which, when tapped,will result in selection of that particular prediction candidate.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a word prediction candidate selectionprocess 700, consistent with example embodiments disclosed herein.Electronic device 100 receives text input via keyboard 220 of aplurality of characters (Step 710). Based on the input characters,electronic device 100 may perform a word prediction process (Step 720).The word prediction process will be described in detail in associationwith FIG. 8. In brief, electronic device 100 generates and displays aset of additional characters as candidates to complete words containingthe characters input by the user in Step 710, or variations thereof.Responsive to further input by the user via keyboard 220, electronicdevice 100 displays a selected word candidate within viewing pane 230.

Word prediction and completion process 700 proceeds with electronicdevice 100 receiving a second input via keyboard 220 (Step 730). In someembodiments, the input may be a single character input from keyboard220. In some embodiments, the input may be in the form of a tap input onone of the keys of keyboard 220. In alternative embodiments, the inputmay be a key press input on one of the keys of keyboard 220.

Electronic device 100, via processor 102, determines whether the inputis associated with a particular one of the displayed word predictioncandidates (Step 740). In brief, electronic device 100 associates eachof the word prediction candidates with a single character that permitsthe candidate to be presented on the display for selection responsive toinput of that particular character. Responsive to input of a singlecharacter via keyboard 220, electronic device 100 determines whether theinput corresponds to one of the previously displayed word predictioncandidates. The determination accounts for both the nature of the inputand the identity of the input character. For example, electronic device100 determines whether the input via keyboard 220 is a tap input or akey press input. Additionally, the character input is compared to thesingle character associated with each of the word prediction candidates.If the input character is not associated with any of the displayed wordprediction candidates (Step 740: NO), word prediction candidateselection process 700 returns to Step 720 and re-performs the wordprediction process. A new set of word prediction candidates is generatedbased on the input received, and new word prediction candidates aredisplayed. If the input character is associated with a particular one ofthe displayed word prediction candidates (Step 740: YES), thenelectronic device 100 presents that particular word prediction candidatein viewing pane 230 of touchscreen 118 (Step 750). In some embodiments,device 100 may detect an input reflecting selection of the presentedparticular word prediction candidate. Responsive to detection of theinput, device 100 displays the selected candidate in an input field onthe display, such as viewing pane 230. In alternative embodiments,device 100 may receive an input indicating that the presented particularword prediction candidate is rejected for selection. Processor 102 thendetermines a different particular word prediction candidate from amongthe generated set of word prediction candidates based on the secondinput, and presents the different particular word prediction candidateon the display for selection.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a word prediction process 800, consistentwith example embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, electronicdevice 100 may receive input of one or more characters from keyboard 220(Step 810). Electronic device 100, through processor 102 and memory 110,determines and predicts a set of additional characters associated withthe input characters (Step 820). As discussed above in association withFIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4A-4B, the set of additional associatedcharacters may be determined based on prior inputs by the user, sentencecontext, or other known means.

Processor 102 generates a set of word prediction candidates based on theinput characters and the set of other possible associated characters(Step 830). Electronic device 100 may bias the word predictioncandidates based on various probabilities. In one embodiment, a wordprediction candidate may alternatively have a higher probability ofselection based on prior usage of the word by the user. In oneembodiment, a word prediction candidate may alternatively have a higherprobability of selection based on context clues within the typing task.In one embodiment, a word prediction candidate may alternatively have ahigher probability of selection based on historical usage by other usersof the language.

Electronic device 100 displays the generated word prediction candidateson viewing pane 230 of touchscreen 118 (Step 840). Prediction candidatesmay be displayed in various places within viewing pane 230, or at thetop of touchscreen 118. As non-limiting examples, the generated set ofword prediction candidates may be displayed as illustrated in FIG. 2A,FIG. 3A, or FIG. 4A.

Electronic device 100 determines the first unique character in each wordprediction candidate of the generated set (Step 850). The first one ormore characters of each word prediction candidate are identical, as theyare the characters corresponding to the first received input ofcharacters from Step 810. Device 100 determines the next character ineach word that is unique from each of the other word predictioncandidates. If no character in one of the predictions is unique, thatword prediction candidate may be removed from the display.Alternatively, that word prediction candidate may be maintained on thedisplay but displayed in a different manner, such as a different color,a different font, or a different font size.

Electronic device 100 displays visual indicia highlighting the firstunique character in each word prediction candidate within viewing pane230, such as within candidate ribbon 250, candidate ribbon 350, orkeyboard projection images 450, 550, or 650 (Step 860). Device 100 mayemploy various visual indicia to highlight the first unique character,including but not limited to underlining the character, displaying thecharacter in boldface, displaying the character in italics, displayingthe character in a different color, displaying the character in adifferent font, displaying the character in a different size font, etc.After displaying the word prediction candidates and the associatedvisual indicia, electronic device 100 waits for user input via keyboard220, and previously described word prediction candidate selectionprocess 700 proceeds to Step 730.

Embodiments and all of the functional operations described in thisspecification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or incomputer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structuresdisclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or incombinations of them. Embodiments can be implemented as one or morecomputer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer programinstructions encoded on a computer readable medium, e.g., a machinereadable storage device, a machine readable storage medium, a memorydevice, or a machine readable propagated signal, for execution by, or tocontrol the operation of, data processing apparatus.

The terms “electronic device” and “data processing apparatus” encompassall apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including byway of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multipleprocessors or computers. The apparatus can include, in addition tohardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computerprogram in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, aprotocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or acombination of them. A propagated signal is an artificially generatedsignal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, orelectromagnetic signal, which is generated to encode information fortransmission to suitable receiver apparatus.

A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, anapplication, a software application, a script, or code) can be writtenin any form of programming language, including compiled or interpretedlanguages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine,non-transitory form, or other unit suitable for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to afile in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a filethat holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in amarkup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer programcan be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification (e.g.,FIGS. 7 and 8) can be performed by one or more programmable processorsexecuting one or more computer programs to perform functions byoperating on input data and generating output. The processes and logicflows can also be performed by, and apparatuses can also be implementedas, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmablegate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devicesfor storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will alsoinclude, or be operatively coupled to, a communication interface toreceive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storagedevices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, oroptical disks.

Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device. Informationcarriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of examplesemiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memorydevices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks;magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD ROM disks. The processor andthe memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purposelogic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the invention canbe implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT(cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, fordisplaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device,e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to thecomputer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interactionwith a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can beany form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback,or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in anyform, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

Embodiments can be implemented in a computing system that includes aback end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes amiddleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes afront end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical userinterface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with animplementation of the invention, or any combination of such back end,middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can beinterconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication,e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networksinclude a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”),e.g., the Internet.

Certain features which, for clarity, are described in this specificationin the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which,for brevity, are described in the context of a single embodiment, mayalso be provided in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Particular embodiments have been described. Other embodiments are withinthe scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating an electronic devicehaving a display displaying, in a keyboard pane of the display, akeyboard for receiving inputs comprising: receiving a first input of acharacter in an input field, wherein the first input is a key pressinput representing an engagement of an electronic dome switchcorresponding to the character; generating a set of word predictioncandidates associated with the first input; displaying the set of wordprediction candidates on the display; determining at least one uniquecharacter in each word prediction candidate, the at least one uniquecharacter enabling discrete selection of the word prediction candidatefrom the set of word prediction candidates; displaying, for eachdisplayed word prediction candidate, a particular visual indiciaidentifying the unique character included within the displayed wordprediction candidate, wherein the particular visual indicia is displayedin a viewing pane of the display, and the viewing pane of the display isdistinct from the keyboard pane of the display; receiving a second inputof a single character, the second input comprising a tap input receivedby the keyboard at a key corresponding to the single character, the tapinput comprising a touch event associated with the key which does notengage an electronic dome switch associated with the key; determiningthat the single character of the second input corresponds to at leastone determined unique character associated with a particular wordprediction candidate; and in response to the determination,automatically displaying the particular word prediction candidate in theinput field.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tap input is a touchinput for a duration less than or equal to a first time period.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein displaying visual indicia comprisesdisplaying the unique character underlined.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein displaying visual indicia comprises displaying the uniquecharacter in a different color.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereindisplaying visual indicia comprises displaying a diagram of a keyboardlayout with each word prediction candidate from the generated set ofword prediction candidates displayed on a key of the keyboard layoutdiagram associated with the determined unique character in eachrespective word prediction candidate.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe diagram additionally displays a location of one or more digitsdetected on the keyboard by capacitive sensors integrated within,situated above, or situated below the keys of said keyboard.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein determining a particular word predictioncandidate from among the generated set of word prediction candidatesbased on the second input comprises: comparing the input character to afirst unique character of each word prediction candidate; anddetermining whether the input character matches the first uniquecharacter of a particular one of the word prediction candidates.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the singlecharacter associated with the second input does not correspond with anyof the displayed word prediction candidates; generating additional wordprediction candidates based on the first and second inputs received fromthe keyboard; displaying the additional word prediction candidates onthe display; and providing an indication of a unique character in eachadditional displayed word prediction candidate to facilitate candidateselection.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: responsive todetection of an input reflecting selection of the displayed particularword prediction candidate, displaying the selected candidate in theinput field on the display.
 10. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving an input indicating that the displayed particularword prediction candidate is rejected for selection; determining adifferent particular word prediction candidate from among the generatedset of word prediction candidates based on the second input; anddisplaying the different particular word prediction candidate on thedisplay for selection.
 11. An electronic device having a displaydisplaying, in a keyboard pane of the display, a keyboard for receivinginputs, comprising: a memory containing instructions; and one or moreprocessors configured to execute the instructions to: receive a firstinput of a character in an input field, wherein the first input is a keypress input representing an engagement of an electronic dome switchcorresponding to the character; generate a set of word predictioncandidates associated with the first input; display the set of wordpredictions on the display; determine at least one unique character ineach word prediction candidate, the at least one unique characterenabling discrete selection of the word prediction candidate from theset of word prediction candidates; display, for each displayed wordprediction candidate, a particular visual indicia identifying the uniquecharacter included within the displayed word prediction candidate,wherein the particular visual indicia is displayed in a viewing pane ofthe display, and the viewing pane of the display is distinct from thekeyboard pane of the display; receive a second input of a singlecharacter, the second input comprising a tap input received by thekeyboard at a key corresponding to the single character, the tap inputcomprising a touch event associated with the key which does not engagean electronic dome switch associated with the key; determine that thesingle character of the second input corresponds to at least one uniquecharacter associated with a particular word prediction candidate; and inresponse to the determination, automatically display the particular wordprediction candidate in the input field.
 12. The electronic device ofclaim 11, wherein the tap input is a touch input for a duration lessthan or equal to a first time period.
 13. The electronic device of claim11, wherein displaying visual indicia comprises displaying the uniquecharacter underlined.
 14. The electronic device of claim 11, whereindisplaying visual indicia comprises displaying the unique character in adifferent color.
 15. The electronic device of claim 11, whereindisplaying visual indicia comprises displaying a diagram of a keyboardlayout with each word prediction candidate from the generated set ofword prediction candidates displayed on a key of the keyboard layoutdiagram associated with the determined unique character in eachrespective word prediction candidate.
 16. The electronic device of claim15, wherein the diagram additionally displays a location of one or moredigits detected on the keyboard by capacitive sensors integrated within,situated above, or situated below the keys of said keyboard.
 17. Theelectronic device of claim 11, wherein determining a particular wordprediction candidate from among the generated set of word predictioncandidates based on the second input comprises: comparing the inputcharacter to a first unique character of each word prediction candidate;and determining whether the input character matches the first uniquecharacter of a particular one of the word prediction candidates.
 18. Theelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors arefurther configured to: determine that the single character associatedwith the second input does not correspond with any of the displayed wordprediction candidates; generate additional word prediction candidatesbased on the first and second inputs received from the keyboard; displaythe additional word prediction candidates on the display; and provide anindication of a unique character in each additional displayed wordprediction candidate to facilitate candidate selection.
 19. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or moreprograms, the one or more programs comprising instructions, whenexecuted by an electronic device having a display displaying, in akeyboard pane of the display, a keyboard for receiving inputs, thatcause the device to: receive a first input of a character in an inputfield, wherein the first input is a key press input representing anengagement of an electronic dome switch corresponding to the character;generate a set of word prediction candidates associated with the input;display the set of word predictions on the display; determine at leastone unique character in each word prediction candidate, the at least oneunique character enabling discrete selection of the word predictioncandidate from the set of word prediction candidates; display, for eachdisplayed word prediction candidate, a particular visual indiciaidentifying the unique character included within the displayed wordprediction candidate, wherein the particular visual indicia is displayedin a viewing pane of the display, and the viewing pane of the display isdistinct from the keyboard pane of the display; receive a second inputof a single character, the second input comprising a tap input receivedby the keyboard at a key corresponding to the single character, the tapinput comprising a touch event associated with the key which does notengage an electronic dome switch associated with the key; determine thatthe single character of the second input corresponds to at least onedetermined unique character associated with a particular word predictioncandidate; and in response to the determination, automatically displaythe particular word prediction candidate in the input field.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, whereindisplaying visual indicia comprises displaying a diagram of a keyboardlayout with each word prediction candidate from the generated set ofword prediction candidates displayed on a key of the keyboard layoutdiagram associated with the determined unique character in eachrespective word prediction candidate.